South Indian Multilingualism: A Rich Linguistic Heritage
South Indians are renowned for their multilingual skills, speaking multiple languages alongside their mother tongue and English. This linguistic diversity is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. This article explores the extent to which South Indians know multiple languages, providing insights from personal experiences and observations.
Personal Experiences with South Indian Multilingualism
My grandmother, who was born in the Kingdom of Mysore, speaks several languages: her mother tongue Kannada, Urdu, Persian, and English. Persian was a common language among Muslim children across the subcontinent, though its popularity has significantly waned over time. My grandmother's fluency in these languages reflects the historical and cultural exchanges that have shaped the region's linguistic landscape.
Today, a significant number of educated South Indians can speak three or more languages. In urban and semi-urban areas, this number can be even higher. For instance, in my family, each member speaks over five languages, ranging from Arabic and Berber to Japanese and Russian. All of us are fluent in English and at least three Dravidian languages, with many individuals also possessing a working knowledge of French.
Language Knowledge in Rural South India
Rural areas of South India may not have the same level of multilingualism as urban areas. For many rural residents, their primary knowledge of additional languages often comes from their immediate social circle. In some cases, rural individuals might know multiple languages, but their fluency might vary. However, the majority of South Indians who have received a proper education typically speak three to five languages, demonstrating a significant level of linguistic diversity.
Debunking Assumptions about North Indian Linguistic Skills
It is often questioned whether North Indians know any other Indian language besides their mother tongue and English. While many North Indians speak Hindi and Urdu, they often lack exposure to other Indian languages, a reflection of the geographical and cultural boundaries that exist between the regions.
North Indians might be less inclined to learn other Indian languages because the languages of South India are perceived as being less mature and less sophisticated. However, this is a misconception. Many of these languages are rich in their own right, with their own scripts and historical heritage. Just as the citizens of the USA do not need a passport to travel abroad, learning another language is considered unnecessary for many North Indians, given the geographical proximity and the rich cultural diversity within their own country.
Challenges and Ruminations
It is not the responsibility of South Indians to learn North Indian languages. Instead, it is the North Indian population that should set an example by voluntarily learning a South Indian language. It is important to recognize the complexity of regional accents and the variability in the pronunciation of Hindi, a language that is more of a recent artificially created language than a naturally evolving one.
The call to learn another language should be based on national unity and mutual respect, rather than regional parochialism. It is time to think of India as a nation rather than being confined to regional boundaries.
Conclusion
South Indians' multilingualism is a significant facet of the cultural mosaic of this region. Understanding and appreciating this diversity can lead to greater unity and mutual respect among Indians from different linguistic backgrounds. It is essential to recognize and embrace the linguistic richness of the entire country, promoting a mindset that values linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.